Desert Chica

Southern Arizona Blogger

Two More Baymax Valentines Designs

byKaren•

Baymax is so sweet, he makes the perfect character for Valentine’s Day cards. I have cute Baymax with heart and soccer valentines to choose from below.

I couldn’t stop at just one style of Baymax Valentines. The color your own Baymax valentines are super fun but if you are looking for simpler set of Big Hero 6 Valentines, I have two more options for you!

Baymax valentines soccer

Soccer Valentines Featuring Baymax

Quinn loved the scene in the Big Hero 6 trailer of Baymax trying to pick up a soccer ball, so naturally that had to be one of the valentines I created. I added a cute soccer Valentine phrase, “I get a kick out of you!”

Baymax from big hero 6 kicking a soccer ball on valentines
Your kids will get a kick out of these adorable soccer valentines featuring Baymax.

There are 6 valentines on each sheet of paper. I recommend printing it on white card stock. You can download the printable soccer valentines cards in either a JPG Version or PDF Version.

Go and head and upload the JPG version to photo editing programs like Picmonkey if you want to add your child’s name to each valentine before printing them.

Baymax with Heart Valentines

Big Hero 6 Valentines

Adorable Baymax with Heart

This simple Baymax with a heart was my very first design. I love, love, love it! Sometimes simplicity wins everything. It says ‘You’re My Big Hero’. There is 6 copies of this valentine on this set as well.

Download the Baymax with Heart Valentines here, again in a  JPG Version or PDF Version.

6 Baymax with heart images on valentines day printables
The simplicity of the Baymax with heart valentines makes it my favorite version!

Don’t miss the color your own Baymax valentines, you can include a couple crayons with the cards for extra fun.

image showing two baymax valentines designs
Pick your favorite Baymax valentine or print them both!

More Baymax Crafts and Fun

Are you looking for more Baymax fun? Click through to find Baymax Rice Krispie Treats, Baymax Cookies, Big Hero 6 Snowflakes, Baymax Hoodie Costume and Big Hero 6 Coloring Pages & Printables

More Free Printable Valentines

POGO Pass Discount Code 2021

byKaren•

Are you ready to save money on local attractions or fun venues while traveling? POGO Pass could be the solution you are looking for! Read for details on how it works and to save money with my POGO Pass promo code.

I love to travel but I also love saving money, there is no sense in overpaying for something. I am always looking for ways to save money when we travel or even while at home on a staycation. POGO pass is an annual membership you buy that gives you free/discounted access to different attractions in a specific city.

POGO Pass Discount Code

Let’s get down to the most important part of this article. A POGO Pass coupon code which is likely why you found this article. The POGO Pass sells for $49.98 but with my promo code: CHICA or by clicking here, you will save $10 per pass. Every discount code offers the same rate, and you will pay $39.98 per pass. Unless there is a special sales event happening like during Black Friday (usually you save an additional $5).

So you’re ready to have fun in your hometown (or while traveling) and save money? Let’s talk more about what a POGO Pass is and where you can use it.

What is a POGO Pass?

A POGO Pass gives you free access to different venues and events in one city or local area. How often you can use your pass at one attraction varies by venue. For example currently the Phoenix POGO Pass allows for 2 visits to the Phoenix Zoo during your year. You only get one visit to the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson.

Keep in mind that each person must have their own POGO Pass, there is no sharing of POGO Passes. They are good for one full year (not calendar year). So if you buy it on July 1st, it will be good through June 30th of the next year.

POGO Pass Locations

POGO Pass is currently available in the following locations: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Dallas/FT. Worth and South Central Texas. The Phoenix POGO Pass is really more of an POGO Pass AZ because it includes Tucson attractions as well. The South Central Texas POGO Pass includes Austin, San Antonio and Waco venues.

POGO Pass Phoenix

There used to be a separate Tucson Pogo Pass but they ended up combining it with the Phoenix POGO Pass into a POGO Pass AZ instead. It’s listed as POGO Pass Phoenix but it really does include Tucson attractions as well.

Currently the following attractions are listed for POGO Pass Arizona. Keep in mind that venues often change and you should check the POGO website before visiting each attraction.

Use promo code CHICA to save $10 on your POGO Pass purchase

POGO Pass Phoenix Attractions

  • Sun Devil Athletics
  • KTR
  • Golfland Sunsplash
  • Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Arizona Rattlers
  • Phoenix Rock Gym
  • Fat Cats
  • Uptown Jungle
  • Enchanted Island
  • VIP Airsoft
  • Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
  • Stratum Laser Tag – Currently Unavailable
  • Idea Museum – Currently Unavailable
  • Arizona Ice
  • Phoenix Mercury
  • USA Skateland

POGO Pass Tucson Attraction

  • U of A Athletics
  • Golf ‘n Stuff
  • Arizona Zipline Adventures
  • International Wildlife Museum
  • Tucson Roadrunners – Currently Unavailable

POGO Pass Las Vegas

We don’t live in Las Vegas but Las Vegas is a popular vacation destination. Vegas is known for adult vacations but we did had fun in Las Vegas with kids. If you are planning a family vacation to Las Vegas, check out POGO Pass first.

On our trip to Las Vegas a few years ago, I considered buying a POGO Pass but decided the attractions listed at that time didn’t work for us on that visit. Depending upon what you family likes to do, age of your kids, and current POGO Pass venues, it could be a good fit for you.

Is POGO Pass worth it?

If you will visit several attractions, then a POGO Pass will likely be worth it. You basically need to do the math and decide how many things you would likely visit during the year.

This is especially important if you are buying a pass to use on a family vacation. Unless you plan on visiting the city again within the year, you need to make sure you will save money by visiting enough attractions during your trip.

Arizona POGO Pass Deal

If you are buying a POGO Pass for you own city, then it’s much easier to justify the purchase. You would have 12 months to use the pass and get the most value of it. Just make sure your family is interested in visiting the venues that are included.

Phoenix POGO Promo Code

For example, the Phoenix POGO Pass includes 2 admissions to the Phoenix Zoo (typically $25 for adults). If you plan on visiting the zoo twice in a year, then you are already saving money just buying the POGO Pass.

POGO Pass Gift Voucher

POGO passes are a great gift option for families that prefer experience gifts. Less clutter and more memories, sounds fabulous to me! When you give a POGO Pass gift card, the 1 year expiration doesn’t start until the recipient redeem the voucher for the POGO Pass.

POGO Pass App

There is a POGO Pass app you can use to track your pass use and actually use to gain admission to venues and attractions.

Have you used the POGO Pass before?

Kylo Ren Valentines Day Cards

byKaren•

For Star Wars fans that prefer the dark side, these Kylo Ren Valentines Day cards are perfect. There is also a valentines card option with a stormtrooper or Kylo’s lightsaber.

Free The Dark Side Star Wars Valentines

BB-8 is totally my droid but I know other people favor other Star Wars characters, even possibly align with “the dark side” of the galaxy. These dark side Star Wars Valentines are for fans of the First Order, Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers from Star Wars: The Force Awakens! Who’s ready for some Kylo Ren valentines?

Printable Kylo Valentines Day Cards

I usually share several new valentine options each year. And this year, I bet my boys will both choose to give at least a few of these dark side cards out.

What is it with boys liking the “bad guys”?? I guess some girls have a thing for bad boys too, right? Maybe in the end Kylo will redeem himself and return to the light, and make everyone happy. (I guess this was a good guess considering the events of Star Wars: The Last Jedi).

Click here to download now: The Dark Side Star Wars Valentines

Free Printable The Dark Side Star Wars Valentines
Each set page prints 4 different dark side valentines including Kylo Ren Valentine’s Day Cards.

I recommend printing out all my valentines on cardstock if you can, they just make the cards much sturdier when passing out to friends. Don’t miss my other printable Star Wars Valentines.

More Free Star Wars Valentine’s Day Cards

If you aren’t a fan of First Order or Kylo Ren, then check out some of the more sweet Star Wars cards you can print. Including Baby Yoda and Mando valentines and BB-8 valentines. 

Easy Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party Ideas

byKaren•

Hosting a Winnie the Pooh birthday party for your little one? Check out these easy Winnie the Pooh decorations and Winnie the Pooh party supplies.

I think Winnie the Pooh is a fun party theme for both boys and girls or even a sweet baby shower. I hope you are inspired by some of the Winnie the Pooh ideas featured here.

Check out these easy Winnie the Pooh party ideas including DIY games, decorations, printables recipes, and other food ideas. Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower Ideas | Pooh Bear Baby Shower Ideas | Winnie the Pooh First Birthday #WinnethePooh #PartyDecorations

These ideas were inspired by my trip to the Christopher Robin red carpet premiere. If your guests love the idea of themed outfits or disneybounding, you could ask them to dress as their favorite Winnie the Pooh characters like we did on the red carpet.

Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party Ideas

yellow and red party decorations for a simple winne the pooh birthday party color scheme
Stick to a simple yellow and red theme and add a few fun Pooh details.

Winnie the Pooh Decorations

Sticking with simple color schemes of yellow and red for Winnie the Pooh or brown and green for the 100 Acre Wood is the simplest way to decorate.

After you pick a color scheme, you can add in a few whimsical touches like a 100 Acre Wood sign, Pooh and friends balloons, or my DIY Winnie the paper lanterns.

Make your own 100 Acre Wood sign using scrap wood and paint, or even just large pieces of cardboard.

Winnie the Pooh Paper Lanterns

I love paper lanterns for party decorations because they can be used more than once, like as fun kid’s bedroom decor after the party. Our BB-8 paper lantern hangs above Elliot’s Star Wars themed Ikea bed hack.

DIY paper lantern for Winnie the Pooh Party
Easy Winnie the Pooh decorations include a decorated paper lantern.

Duct tape is one of my favorite ways to decorate paper lanterns but I just figured out I could paint them too while making a Fortnite Tomato Head costume. The key is to painting the lantern carefully and letting it dry completely before doing the 2nd coat so you don’t tear the paper while it’s wet.

For the Winnie the Pooh paper lantern, I just painted the top half of a yellow paper lantern with red paint. Then cut the name ‘Pooh’ out of yellow vinyl using my Cricut Maker and added it to the lantern.

Winnie the Pooh Party Food

What’s a party without fun themes treats? I focused on gathering up easy Winnie the Pooh Party recipes for sweets but you could easily round up some healthy snacks too.

Winnie the Pooh party ideas like this treat recipe is a great party dessert or party favor idea

Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party Treats

Eeyore Donuts 

Photo Credit: lolalambchops.com

Winnie the Pooh Sweet Hunnycomb Treats

Photo Credit: www.momendeavors.com

Winnie The Pooh Chocolate Bubble Bark Recipe

Photo Credit: www.savoringthegood.com

Winnie The Pooh Cake Donuts

Photo Credit: noguiltlife.com

Winnie the Pooh Pops 

Photo Credit: anewdawnn.com

Winnie the Pooh Sugar Cookies

Photo Credit: www.momdoesreviews.com

Pooh Cake for Pooh Day.

Photo Credit: homesteadlady.com

Chocolate Hunny Pots with Honey Mousse

Photo Credit: www.sugarhero.com

Winnie the Pooh Ice Cream Cake

Photo Credit: www.thisolemom.com

Winnie the Pooh Party Favors

Make your own Winnie the Pooh character chocolates, soap or crayons this fun 100 Acre Wood character mold. Or check out these adorable soaps that my friend Amy made, they’re also an adorable Winnie the Pooh party favor idea!

Silly little bear soaps for Winnie the Pooh party favors

Winnie the Pooh Party Activities

Don’t skip the Winnie the Pooh party activities. One classic birthday party idea is a fun Winnie the Pooh pinata. I also love this Pin the tail on Kanga game you can buy from Etsy or this free printable Pin the tail on Eeyore.

Christopher Robin Coloring Pages

Don't miss these exclusive Winnie the Pooh and friends coloring pages and free printable activities perfect for kids of all ages from toddlers to adults. They include everyone from the 100 Acre Wood include Christopher Robin, eeyore, pooh, piglet, tigger, kanga, roo, owl and rabbit.
Print out a set of Christopher Robin Coloring Pages for your party.

Print out a couple sets of these Christopher Robin coloring pages and activities to have on hand during the party. You can also buy these sweet sticker and coloring packs.

Watch Christopher Robin Or Winnie the Pooh

Watch the Christopher Robin DVD during a Winnie the Pooh party
Watch Christopher Robin during a Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party

A Winnie the Pooh party is also a great time to watch Christopher Robin if you the party includes tweens or teens. Opt for one of Winnie the Pooh’s classic adventures (many of which are available on Disney+) if your party is for younger kids.

About Christopher Robin

In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

By the way if you do buy the Blu-Ray version you can see cool Christopher Robin features like – In Which … Pooh and Friends Come to Life. See how Winnie the Pooh and Friends were brought to life as walking and talking stuffed animals in this magical live-action world.

Thank you Disney for providing us with a copy of Christopher Robin.<br><script src=”https://www.dwin2.com/pub.242395.min.js”>

Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Bombs

byKaren•

Hot Cocoa Bombs were definitely a viral sensation in 2020. They are still popular in 2021, so I decided to jump in and share a fun St. Patrick’s Day version. Check out these magically delicious hot cocoa Bombs.

Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Bombs with text overlay
Pin this Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

Who doesn’t love Lucky Charms Marshmallows? They are obviously the best part of Lucky Charms cereal. And now you can buy extra large Lucky Charms marshmallows, making it the perfect time to make a batch of Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Bombs for St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bomb Ingredients

Lucky Charms Hot cocoa Supplies like candy melts, hot chocolate powder, silicone molds and Lucky Charms Marshmallows
Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Supplies require Lucky Charms Marshmallows

Lucky Charms Hot Chocolate Bombs

If you’ve already made hot cocoa bombs then you will find these easy to make, simply add the special marshmallows inside your hot chocolate bombs and a few more as decoration on the outside. If you aren’t familiar with making these yet, read on for the step by step directions.

Chocolate hot cocoa bombs with lucky charms marshmallows and white mug

Lucky Charms Hot Cocoa Bombs

Materials

Tools

Instructions

  1. Add light cocoa candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments stirring in between until creamy and smooth. 
  2. Fill the molds with the melted chocolate making sure to fill the sides of the mold all the way to the top and keeping the inside hollow. Use the back of a spoon to guide the chocolate up the mold.chocolate in hot cocoa bomb molds
  3. Place in the fridge or freezer for about 5-10 minutes or until they are easy to pop out. Very carefully remove the chocolate from the mold. If they don't pop out easily, place back in the fridge or freezer for a few more minutes.
  4. Scoop about 2 tbsp of cocoa powder into the bottom mold. Place 4-5 Lucky Charms large marshmallows on top of the cocoa powder.St. Patricks Day Hot Cocoa Bomb Molds
  5. Heat a plate in the microwave for about 45 seconds, carefully taking it out cause the plate will be hot. 
  6. Take the empty chocolate half and press the open part onto the hot plate for a few seconds to melt the chocolate and twist to smooth the edges. Connect the two half pieces of chocolates together and seal together. Allow to harden together.
  7. Heat up the remaining melted chocolate you previously used if there is any left or melt some more.Lucky Charms Marshmallows on hot cocoa bombs
  8. Put melted chocolate in a Ziploc bag, seal and snip off a corner. Pipe melted chocolate across the top of the cocoa bombs and add a few Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows on top of melted chocolate. Place in fridge or freezer for a few minutes to allow to harden.
  9. To use, place in a mug and pour hot milk over top. Stir until the hot cocoa bombs are completely melted and enjoy!

Recommended Products

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Did you make this project?

Take a picture and tag @karenheffren or #DesertChica!

© KarenHeffren

Lucky Charms Marshmallows Hot Chocolate Bombs

I think a fun variation would be to make these with white chocolate or green candy melts. Both green and white work great for St. Patrick’s Day.

White mug with hot cocoa bomb inside with Lucky Charms Marshmallows
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Lucky Charms Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Bombs

More Lucky Charms Recipes

Color Your Own Big Hero 6 Valentines Cards

byKaren•

These color your own valentines feature the lovable Baymax from Disney’s Big Hero 6. Print a set and let your kids pass them out to their friends for Valentine’s Day this year.

This is a fun Valentine’s Day card to pass out if you like to include something extra but want to avoid more sugar. Just attach a couple of crayons and let each kiddo color their own Baymax superhero.

Picture of color your own valentines feature Baymax from Big Hero 6 and a red and purple crayon
Let your friends color their own valentines

I’ve created several different valentines for my boys to pass out over the years. These fun Big Hero 6 valentines are unique because you can color them for your friends, or include crayons so they can color Baymax. Don’t miss my other set of Baymax soccer valentines cards.

Big Hero 6 Valentines Cards

These valentines can be used two different ways. First you can have your kiddo color each valentine, customizing it for each friend. Color Baymax with his signature red and purple superhero colors or color him using their friends favorite colors.

Baymax valentines day card partially colored with crayons attached to the back of another valentines
Attach a couple crayons to the back for a fun color your own valentines experience.

Or for a special non candy valentine idea, send blank Baymax valentines with a red and purple crayon attached. Each recipient can color Baymax themselves! You can pick up inexpensive crayon sets at the dollar store, or order red and purple crayons in bulk on amazon.

These Big Hero 6 printables would also be a fun Valentine’s Day party activity, let each child color their own Baymax hero. You will have lots of happy Valentine guests.

Printable Color Your Own Valentines From Big Hero 6

Download these Big Hero 6 Valentines here —> PDF File

Front and back of Big Hero 6 printable valentines with 2 crayons attached
Don’t stick to just red and purple, Baymax can be any color!

Ready to print your Baymax valentines? I squeezed 4 copies on to a 8″ X 10″ page and because they are color your own valentines style, you can print in black and white. No color printer necessary for this valentine cuteness.

Screen shot of 4 Big Hero 6 valentines per page
There are 4 copies of the valentines per sheet.

More Baymax Crafts and Fun

Love Hiro, Honey Lemon, Wasabi and friends? Check out more of our Baymax fun! Click through to find Baymax Rice Krispie Treats, Baymax Cookies, Big Hero 6 Snowflakes, Baymax Hoodie Costume and Big Hero 6 Coloring Pages & Printables

More Free Printable Valentines

Mary Poppins Craft | Make a Paper Kite

byKaren•

I love the crafts and activities at movie premieres and parties. The Mary Poppins Returns after party included a penguin ring toss, caricatures, and a sweet paper kite craft. I made a colorful paper kite and knew it would be the perfect Mary Poppins craft to share with you. Easy crafts are my favorite!

Mary Poppins Returns Premiere Party Kite Craft
A fun bow tie inspired me to decorate my kite at the Mary Poppins Returns Party

Mary Poppins Party Craft

The prize for playing the penguin toss game as the cute Mary Poppins bow tie. You can see I used it as inspiration when decorating my kite at the party. They had lots of stickers and markers to decorate the kite crafts once you were done making it.

The kite was a little mangled coming back in my luggage, the tail is wrinkly and I lost a few stickers but overall I really thought it was a fun craft. Simple, easy and cute.

Mary Poppins Easy Kite Craft for Kids
Choose contrasting colors of streamer and paper to make the paper kites stand out.

Let’s go make a kite!

This is the perfect Mary Poppins craft for everyone to make after watching Mary Poppins Returns in theaters. It’d also make a fun Mary Poppins party activity or as DIY party decorations.

How to make a Mary Poppins Kite Craft

Make this simple Mary Poppins kite craft after watching Mary Poppins Returns. It's easy enough for kids to make, making it ideal for rainy day fun, a Mary Poppins party activity or DIY party decorations. #MaryPoppins #MaryPoppinsReturns #MaryPoppinsReturnsEvent Mary Poppins Birthday Party | Kite Crafts for Kids | DIY Kites for kids | How to make a kite
Pin this easy Mary Poppins Party Craft (How to make a paper kite)

The best part of this craft is you likely have all of the supplies on hand. If you don’t have woodcraft dowels, you can always make do with wood skewers as I did. I grabbed a few from the kitchen and cut off the pointy ends.

Mary Poppins Kite Craft Supplies
How to make paper kite craft supplies

How to make a paper kite

Start by folding the top corners of the paper, similar to a basic paper airplane design. They should meet together in the middle. Then place the 12″ dowel down the middle of the paper and tape it in place.

Place the 8″ dowel perpendicular across the top of the 12″ dowel. It should sit just below the paper you folded down. Tape it down as well.

Add a smaller wood dowel under the folded corners when making a Mary Poppins Paper Kite
Add wood dowels to create the kite frame.

Easy Mary Poppins Craft

Now tie your kite string where the dowels meet. Carefully tie the paper streamer to the end of the 12″ wood dowel to create the kite tail. The streamer paper is a bit fragile, so I also added a piece of tape over the knot. Then fold (and tape) the bottom corners of the paper inward to finish the kite design.

Tie on paper streamer to create a kite tail when making a Mary Poppins Paper Kite Craft
Tie on a paper streamer to create a kite tail for this simple Mary Poppins Craft

Be sure to watch the video at the top of the post if you need help with any of the steps. I know some people are visual learners. You’ll see it’s a really simple craft to create.

Fold 2nd bottom corner to complete the Mary Poppins Kite Craft
Follow the steps to create an easy paper craft using party streamers, string, dowels and paper.

I loved the bright colored paper but I also made a sweet one using regular white printer paper. The party streamer gives it a fun pop of color. Remember you can also decorate the kites with markers and stickers after you’re done making them!

Easy Mary Poppins Craft for kids how to make a paper kite
Let’s go make a kite!

Mary Poppins Kite Craft Supplies

How to make a kite from copy paper
The simplicity of a white kite is super cute with a bright colored streamer tail.

Mary Poppins Party Ideas

So gather the supplies and let your kids make a fun paper kite on a rainy/snowy day. Make it extra fun and listen to the Mary Poppins Returns soundtrack, it’s fabulous!

Mary Poppins Kite Craft for a party activity or DIY party decor
Make paper kites in different colors that also double as Mary Poppins party decorations.

I think this paper kite craft would be a fun Mary Poppins party idea for kids of all ages or make them ahead of time and hang the kites as fun DIY party decorations! And if you are looking for a different Mary Poppins craft, check out this adorable kite ornament from As the Bunny Hops!

More Paper Crafts

Free Star Wars BB-8 Valentines

byKaren•

If droids are your favorite then you will love this set of unique BB8 Valentines. Download the free file below to share your love of Star Wars with everyone you know.

Who else wants BB-8 to be their valentine? I think he’s the cutest little thing from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and he is perfect for sweet little Valentine’s Day cards. My boys loved passing out this BB8 valentines to their friends at school.

Screen shot of printed BB8 Valentine printable that you can download.
Adorable Free BB8 Valentines

Free Printable BB8 Valentines

This BB-8 valentines are simple printable card you can pass out for Valentine’s Day. The card design is based on the BB8 graphic we used on our BB-8 shirt.

With a few edits, text and cute hearts added, it was complete. Simple and adorable (if I do say so myself). 😉 I love that they aren’t overly girl or boy centered, perfect for any little Star Wars fans to pass out!

Give Star Wars BB-8 Valentines Day
Two versions of the cutest droid (BB8) Valentines are available.

Print These BB-8 Valentines

I couldn’t decide if the valentines needed the “To and From” on the front, so I made two different versions of the valentines, you can decide which one you like better. 8 valentines fit on each page and I recommend printing on cardstock for sturdier valentines.

Click here to download –> BB8 Valentines (blank version)

Download here to download –> BB8 Valentines (to/from version)

Image of printed BB-8 Valentines card
Click above to download the BB8 Valentines Card

If you plan on making Valentine’s day treats, how about BB-8 cupcakes to match the valentines? I promise they are fairly easy to create! I’ve actually created quite a few Bb-8 projects, click through to see my other fun crafty ideas. 

More Star Wars Valentines

I have a few more printable Star Wars Valentines to choose from. Including Baby Yoda and Mando valentines and set of droid valentines featuring D0 with BB!  All are free to download for your own Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

byKaren•

This Instant Pot Beef stew is very easy and forgiving. It’s the perfect recipe for beginning Instant Pot users to try especially during the cold winter months.

I don’t know about you but I love soup (and stew) year-round despite living in the Arizona desert. Broth if one of my favorite things to eat (or rather slurp)! So while this is a great recipe for the cold winter months, I will make it year round because it’s so delicious!

Close up picture of Beef stew made in an Instant Pot
Easy and delicious, this Beef Stew is the best recipe for Instant Pot Newbies.

Are you looking for any Instant Pot recipe to try in your new Instant Pot? This Instantpot Beef Stew recipe was my first successful meal when I first bought my first Instant Pot.

I already made a version of it on the stove top and it’s so forgiving that it was easy to convert it to a simple Instant Pot recipe. I also love that you can modify or substitute ingredients if necessary. I have been able to consistently make AMAZING and easy Instant Pot beef stew for several years now.

Easiest Instant Pot Beef Recipe

I love soup. Soup with yummy broth, there is never enough broth by the way.

I am big of good tortilla soup or Pho, although I’ve never attempted either at home. One of my favorite soup recipes is our Sausage and Kale soup, so many fresh veggies and the broth is delicious.

Stew is usually hardier but still ends up with delicious broth which is my favorite part. This is definitely a new family favorite recipe and since I know many of you also bought an Instant Pot recently, I am sharing my favorite Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe with you!

How to make Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

Turn your Instant Pot on to saute and add the olive oil, let it heat up while you prep the beef.

Prep the Beef for the stew

Season the flour with salt and pepper, I usually start with a couple spoonfuls and just add more if we need it. Coat the beef in the flour mixture and then brown on all sides in the Instant Pot.

It might be easier space wise, to brown half the meat first and then set it aside while you are browning the second half.

Brown your beef chunks for instant pot beef stew, you can use gluten-free flour if you need gluten free beef stew
Coat your stew meat in flour with salt and pepper

Prep your veggies for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Prep your veggies while you brown your meat. You can use a 16 oz bag of baby carrots or chop up ~2 cups of carrots.

Quarter the onions and potatoes, unless you buy small potatoes like fingerlings. Then I’d just leave them whole. It really is up to you, though.

Slice the mushrooms and dice the garlic. Or buy the mushrooms sliced and the frozen garlic already chopped. I love saving time when I can.

Saute and brown beef for easy instant pot beef stew or 21 day fix instant pot beef stew recipe
Brown your stew meat using the saute function on the Instant Pot.

Add all ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Stew

Once all of the veggies are prepped and meat is browned, dump all of the veggies in. You want to be careful not to go over the max fill line on your instant pot.

I am usually pretty close with the amounts in this recipe. I have no problem removing a few potatoes though if I am too close, they aren’t my favorite ingredient anyway. 🙂

Add the veggies for the easy instant pot beef stew and essential for 21 day fix instant pot beef stew
Prep all veggies while stew meat is browning.

Set the time for Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Then add the beef broth, tomato sauce and bay leaves on top. Secure the lid and press the Stew button.

Be sure the steam release valve is closed. I adjust the stew time to 35 or 40 minutes, either work great for me.

This easy Instant Pot beef stew recipe is delicious and also doubles as a 21 day fix instant pot beef stew. I used gluten-free flour in the recipe to make it wheat free for my husband. The delicious broth is my favorite part!
Delicious IP beef stew perfect during the colder winter months.

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

The meat comes out extremely tender so I usually just use the quick steam release when it’s done. Be careful because the stew will be extremely hot at first.

I usually ladle some out into a separate bowl to let it cool down so we can eat faster. Everyone finishes every last drop!

A very happy customer after eating my Instantpot beef stew.

Who’s ready to try my Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe? I’ve listed the ingredients below, keep in mine my recipe is based on using a 6 QT Instant Pot.

The size of your pot affects how much ingredients and liquids you can easily fit inside.

This easy Instant Pot beef stew recipe is delicious and also doubles as a 21 day fix instant pot beef stew. I used gluten-free flour in the recipe to make it wheat free for my husband. The delicious broth is my favorite part!

Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of cubed beef
  • 6 cups of beef broth
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 2 onions
  • 1 package of mushrooms – optional
  • 2 cups of potatoes – optional
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic chopped
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
  • flour (we use a gluten-free flour blend)
  • ~ 2 tbs Olive oil

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Do you have a favorite instant pot recipe?

Phineas and Ferb Shirt

byKaren•

Did you love the latest Phineas and Ferb movie? We thought Candace Against the Universe was really fun and it inspired this silly Beaver Pete shirt design.

I tried to recreate the silly t-shirt you see towards the end of Phineas and Ferb Candace Against the Universe. It’s so silly and random that you likely won’t even appreciate it unless you have watched the movie.

Beaver Pete t-shirt design

Unless of course you name is Pete or you like beavers. 🙂 Even if you haven’t watched the movie yet, I bet you will like our Phineas and Ferb pumpkins.

Ok, so first things first, head over to Disney+ and watch Phineas and Ferb Candace Against the Universe then come back to see our silly Phineas and Ferb shirt design.

Screen shot of actual Beaver Pete shirt from Phineas and Ferb Movie
The actual Beaver Pete shirt in Phineas and Ferb Candace Against the Universe

Phineas and Ferb Shirt Design

Beaver Pete T-shirt Materials

teal shirt, green, white, brown and black vinyl
Materials to make a Beaver Pete Shirt

I tried to recreate the Beaver Pete shirt from the movie in Cricut Design Space. It’s not 100% the same but it’s close and because it’s designed within the Cricut software, I can share a link to the project directly with you!

Beaver clip art and text saying 'Beaver Pete!'
Phineas and Ferb Shirt Design available in Cricut Design Space

The exact materials you use will affect how your Beaver Pete shirt turns out. I made the shirt using iron on vinyl I already had on hand. My brown vinyl turned out to be darker than I really wanted. But it’s still fun shirt. 🙂

The Beaver Pete design from the movie did not have a white belly. I couldn’t remove the white belly from my beaver design so I just opted to not iron on that piece of the design when making the t-shirt.

Close up of Beaver Pete shirt with Phineas and Ferb pumpkin crafts

That’s it! It’s a fairly straight forward design. Just don’t shoot any Beaver Pete t-shirts at aliens unless you want them to explode with excitement… 😉

More Disney Shirt Designs

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